The poem
I would rather drink than eat, And though I superbly sup, Food, I feel, can never beat Delectation of the cup. Wine it is that crowns the feast; Fish and fowl and fancy meat Are of my delight the least: I would rather drink than eat.
Though no Puritan I be, And have doubts of Kingdom Come, With those fellows I agree Who deplore the Demon Rum. Gin and brandy I decline, And I shy at whisky neat; But give me rare vintage wine,-- Gad! I'd rather drink than eat.
Food surfeit is of the beast; Wine is from the gods a gift. All from prostitute to priest Can attest to its uplift. Green and garnet glows the vine; Grapes grow plump in happy heat; Gold and ruby winks the wine . . . Come! Let's rather drink than eat.